All Blog Entries by Justin Havre Real Estate Team

Dreaming of upgrading your home with the perfect home theatre? Getting it right involves more than just buying a big screen, comfy seating, and high-quality speakers. Learn how to choose the best room, plan your layout, pick the right equipment, and achieve ultimate comfort and immersion with your home theatre setup. By following some simple design tips, it’s possible to create a cinema-like experience. 

3 Tips For Home Theatre Design

• Select a rectangular room with proper dimensions to optimize acoustics and viewing angles for the ultimate cinematic experience.
• Plan your layout carefully, focusing on seating, screen, and speaker placement to enhance the immersive quality of movie watching.
• Invest in quality equipment and consider

When searching for the best gyms in Calgary, you'll find a range of options that cater to unique fitness needs. From well-equipped facilities like Big Sky Fitness to the community-driven atmosphere of Urban Athlete Fitness Studio, each location offers something distinct. Many residents appreciate 24-hour access and specialized training services, but which gym truly stands out for your specific preferences? Whether you’re moving to Calgary or a resident beginning a new fitness journey, your gym of choice can enhance your quality of life. 

Calgary’s Top Gyms at a Glance

• Diverse Options: Calgary offers a variety of gyms catering to different fitness needs, including community-driven gyms, 24-hour access facilities, and city fitness centres.

Expanding your home is an exciting prospect, but navigating local building codes and zoning regulations can quickly become overwhelming. These rules vary widely by location and can significantly impact your design, timeline, and budget. Understanding these constraints early on is essential to avoid costly setbacks and ensure your vision aligns with legal requirements. As you begin planning your home addition, the challenge lies in striking a balance between your dream home wishlist and financial and regulatory realities. Success starts with careful preparation—and that means knowing what to expect from the start.

5 Steps to Plan a Home Addition

• Research local building codes and zoning regulations to confirm your home addition is legally

When considering whether to build a new house or renovate an old one, homeowners face a pivotal decision that impacts their budget and everyday lives. Building from scratch typically offers customization and the assurance of modern features, but it's a hefty investment with a longer timeline. On the other hand, planning home additions and renovations can enhance the unique charm of an existing home and may require less capital upfront, yet the risk of unforeseen complications looms large. Homeowners must also consider the long-term implications of their choice on their lifestyle and financial health. Decide whether building a new house or renovating an old one is right for you.

Buying vs. Renovating: 5 Things to Consider

• Building a new home

As sustainability becomes a top priority in the construction industry, eco-friendly building materials are gaining popularity for their ability to reduce environmental impact while maintaining durability and efficiency. Whether you're constructing a new home, renovating an existing space, or simply exploring greener alternatives, using sustainable materials can lower carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and create healthier living environments. Check out some of the best eco-friendly construction materials available today as we highlight their benefits and why they’re a smart choice for builders and homeowners alike.

8 Eco-Friendly Building Materials You Should Look Into

• Cork: A renewable resource that provides excellent insulation and

When deciding between building a new home and purchasing an existing one, you’ll likely face a complex set of considerations including customization, cost, and timing. Building a new home makes it easier to tailor every aspect to your specifications, ensuring that the final product is aligned with your lifestyle needs. On the other hand, buying an existing home can be less of a financial burden and also offers the immediate gratification of a quicker move-in. But what are the hidden costs and surprises that might sway your decision one way or the other?

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Notes on New Construction vs. Existing Home

When selling or buying a condo, it’s important to understand what a status certificate is and where to get one. Sometimes known as an estoppel certificate, this provides a snapshot of your condo's current state, including financial details and bylaws. But where do you get this document, and why is it critical for a smooth transaction? Let's explore the steps and significance behind it in real estate dealings.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Condo Status Certificates at a Glance

• Status certificates are obtained from the condo's management company or board, often with a processing fee.
• The estoppel certificate provides a condo

Valentine's Day plans don't have to require a ton of forethought to make a positive impact on loved ones—but it's always fun to do something special. No matter what you choose, the time together will undoubtedly turn out to be a treasured memory. For those without any concrete plans yet, here are five excellent Valentine's events in Calgary to consider.

Calgary Zoo—Wild After Hours: In the Heat of the Night

In their long-running tradition, the Calgary Zoo yet again hosts their Valentine's Day bash, In the Heat of the Night. Due to its popularity, this event is hosted on February 13th, 14th, and 15th, running from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Guests can start arriving at 5:15. Couples will be treated to an incredible four-course meal and a humorous

Condo owners do pay property taxes, just like any other homeowner. But what exactly determines the amount? Property taxes on a condo combine your unit's assessed value, the municipal tax rates, and the provincial education property tax. The average collective property tax rate in Alberta was around 0.648610 as of 2024. Given the lower property values, annual taxes are typically lower for condos than single-family homes. Keep reading to uncover everything Alberta condo owners need to know about property taxes.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Do You Have to Pay Property Taxes For a Condo?

• Yes, condo owners in Alberta are required to

Owning a condo in Calgary is an incredible privilege. From the city’s many food and shopping opportunities to its natural wonders and open spaces, Calgary’s vibrant neighbourhoods offer something for everyone. If you’re considering buying a condo here, you’ve probably wondered just how much you'd need for a down payment to make your dream a reality. However, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you may think, with various factors influencing the amount. 

Is it possible to navigate these complexities with ease? Discover how understanding the nuances can put you on the path to homeownership in this vibrant city.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real